Social Security Celebrates 88 Years of Service This Thanksgiving

Social Security Reflects on Its Enduring Mission This Thanksgiving

Oh, how heartwarming! Social Security is taking a moment this Thanksgiving to pat itself on the back for its “enduring mission.” Because nothing says “holiday spirit” like a government agency congratulating itself on its own existence.

For a whopping 88 years now, Social Security has been the backbone of economic security for Americans. The Social Security Administration has maintained its commitment to providing benefits and financial support through nearly nine decades of paperwork, bureaucracy, and those delightful hold times when you call their offices. What a legacy!

The agency proudly reminds us that it provides monthly Social Security benefits to over 71 million people. Impressive! Almost as impressive as how quickly those benefits disappear after paying for groceries and medication in today’s economy.

The “Groundbreaking” Programs

Social Security administers retirement, survivors, and disability insurance programs. Revolutionary stuff, really. They also manage Supplemental Security Income, which helps aged, blind, and disabled people with limited income and resources establish eligibility for assistance. How generous of them to give people back some of the money they’ve been paying into the funding system their entire working lives.

Their website, SSA.gov, offers convenient online services for checking benefit eligibility and retirement options. Because nothing says “cutting edge” like a government website that occasionally works as intended.

Commitment to Service Through Legislation

Acting Commissioner Kijakazi reminds us that Social Security has been there through:

• Wars and conflicts
• Economic downturns and recessions
• The recent pandemic
• Changes in Social Security legislation

How noble! Though one might wonder if “being there” and “being adequate” are quite the same thing when it comes to retirement planning.

The Administration claims to be committed to equity and accessibility. They’ve even expanded their services to include video meetings and phone appointments for discussing benefits and funding options. Welcome to technology from the early 2000s, Social Security! Next thing you know, they’ll discover email.

This Thanksgiving, Social Security wants Americans to know they’re grateful to serve. And Americans are surely grateful too – grateful when their checks actually arrive on time and for the correct amount to support their retirement needs.

Remember to visit SSA.gov for all your Social Security needs and eligibility questions. Just be sure to bring along a healthy dose of patience and perhaps a snack for the wait times.